Former President Barack Obama tells Democrats "enough moping"

Beverly Hills, California (CNN) -- Former President Barack Obama, re-emerging into the political fray for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser here on Thursday, had a message for troubled Democrats: Do more than just mope.

Obama peppered his 45-minute appearance with subtle knocks for despondent Democrats, warning that it is not enough to lament Donald Trump's presidency or complain about the impact he is having on the country. Instead, a tie-less and visibly relaxed Obama urged Democrats to back up those concerns with action and avoid the belief that the party is bound to defeat Republicans in November.

"If what you are doing requires no sacrifice at all, then you can do more," Obama told the tony crowd at a sweeping multi-million-dollar Beverly Hills home. "If you are one of these folks who is watching cable news at your cocktail parties with your friends and you are saying 'civilization is collapsing' and you are nervous and worried, but that is not where you are putting all your time, energy and money, then either you don't actually think civilization is collapsing ... or you are not pushing yourself hard enough and I would push harder."

At one point, he turned to the crowd and declared, "Enough moping, this is a mope-free zone."

And the former President even suggested to the roughly 200 donors in attendance, who also enjoyed a performance from Christina Aguilera, that Democrats can't get fixated on the glitz and personality of politics.

"We shouldn't expect (politics) to be entertaining all the time -- and Christina Aguilera was wonderful -- but you don't need to have an amazing singer at every event," he said. "Sometimes you are just in a church basement making phone calls and eating cold pizza."

The fundraiser, the first Obama has done for the DNC this year, is a rare foray into electoral politics for a former president who has spent much of his time focused on two priorities: His forthcoming book, which he is writing by hand on a yellow legal pad, and The Obama Foundation, his non-profit that will eventually be housed in his Chicago library.

But Obama's message on Thursday, sitting in overstuffed armchairs across from DNC chair Tom Perez, was far more a call for Democratic self-reflection than the hope and change the launched him into the White House 10 years ago. At an event that included opening remarks from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Obama urged Democrats to not grow complacent and at times validated their fears about the last 18 months.

"This is a moment of great urgency and you are right to be concerned," he said.

At no point in the event did Obama actually say Trump's name. But he did sprinkle his remarks to ardent Democrats, some of whom spent thousands to see him, with plenty of knocks against the opposing party.

"They are mad even when they win," he exclaimed. "Have you noticed that? They don't look happy at all!"


https://www.kron4.com/news/national/former-president-barack-obama-tells-democrats-enough-moping-/1274770460

CA-GOV: Newsom leads Cox 58-29

In an election for California Governor today, 06/27/18, current Lieutenant Governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, defeats Republican businessman John Cox 58% to 29%, according to this latest SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KPIX-TV in San Francisco, KABC-TV Los Angeles, KFSN-TV Fresno, KGTV-TV San Diego, and the San Diego Union Tribune. 13% of likely voters today say they are undecided, 132 day until votes are counted. 18% of Republicans and 20% of Conservatives cross over to vote for Newsom; Independents break 4:3 for the Democrat.


http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=5c3abf41-032d-4193-a22c-ff7533569df9

CA-SEN: Feinstein leads de Leon 46-24

In the all-Democrat election for United States Senator from California, incumbent Dianne Feinstein wins her sixth term today, defeating former State Senate President Kevin de Leon 46% to 24%, with 31% of likely voters -- overwhelmingly Republicans -- undecided. De Leon runs most strongly with voters aged 35-49, those with middle incomes, those who attended some college, and in urban parts of the state -- but does not break past 30% among any of those subgroups.


http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=5c3abf41-032d-4193-a22c-ff7533569df9

Democratic turnout up 194% for Colorado primary.

MI-GOV: Whitmer takes a solid primary lead.

CO-GOV: Polis takes an early seven-point lead.

Reporter: Detained child was physically struck for not eating

On yesterday’s Fresh Air.

Consultant: Democratic turnout way up in NY primary

A Democratic consultant on the House Talk Podcast said that turnout was much higher than 2014. In the more competitive districts, turnout for the 2918 primarywas higher than the 2014 general. Before you ask, NY-14 was very low.

Pod Save America: Expect McConnell to eliminate Uanimous Consent Rule

Former Obama aides Jon Favreau and Jim Lovett agreed that Mitch McConnell will likely do away with the Unanimous Consent Rule if it gets in the way of confirming Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. As you might recall, he nuked the filibuster last year for thie position.

“Mitch McConell watched Game of Thrones and roots for the Night King.”

Tweet of the Night